Costco Wholesale Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
Costco Wholesale's CEO is Ron Vachris, appointed in Feb 2022, has a tenure of 4.17 years. total yearly compensation is $13.93M, comprised of 8.5% salary and 91.5% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.012% of the company’s shares, worth $52.19M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 2.7 years and 10.5 years respectively.
Key information
Ron Vachris
Chief executive officer
US$13.9m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 8.49% |
| CEO tenure | 4.2yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.01% |
| Management average tenure | 2.7yrs |
| Board average tenure | 10.5yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
COST: Membership Strength And Traffic Trends Will Support Premium Future P/E
Analysts have nudged the Costco Wholesale fair value estimate higher to reflect a modestly higher blended Street price target in the $975 to $1,315 range, citing recent target increases after Q2 earnings, resilient membership income, and steady traffic trends. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research points to a broadly constructive tone around Costco, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets and highlighting consistent execution following the latest earnings prints.Costco: When Compounding Is Already Priced In
Apr 20COST: Membership Income Strength And Steady Traffic Will Sustain Premium P E
Analysts have raised their Costco Wholesale price targets by amounts ranging from $1 to $65, reflecting updated views on its execution, membership trends, and price-to-earnings assumptions. Together, these factors translate into a slightly refined fair value estimate and margin outlook in the latest model.COST: Membership Engine And Premium P E Will Support Defensive Upside
Analyst fair value for Costco Wholesale has been revised higher from $1,205 to about $1,311 per share, as analysts factor in modestly stronger revenue growth assumptions, a slightly lower discount rate, a richer future P/E multiple near 57x, and recent Street research that continues to highlight resilient execution despite concerns around competing products. Analyst Commentary Recent research around Costco continues to frame the retailer as a high quality operator with a premium valuation, while also highlighting some areas of investor caution.
COST: Membership Headwinds And Rich P E Will Shape Cautious Outlook
Costco Wholesale's intrinsic value estimate has been lifted by about $23 to $822.59 per share as analysts factor in higher long term price targets, supported by consistent same store sales execution, resilient traffic and ticket trends, recurring membership income growth, and views that the warehouse model remains a core holding for many portfolios despite a premium P/E multiple and membership growth headwinds flagged in some recent research. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Costco Wholesale centers on strong operational execution and consistent earnings beats, alongside ongoing debate about how much of that quality is already reflected in the share price.COST: Membership Strength And Pricing Power Will Support Defensive Upside Through 2026
Analysts have nudged their Costco Wholesale price target higher to $1,205, a modest revision that reflects slightly firmer assumptions on revenue growth and a small adjustment to the discount rate, while still factoring in a similar long term profit profile and P/E outlook to previous estimates. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Costco points to generally constructive sentiment, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets and reiterating positive views on the company’s positioning and execution.
Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST): The Ultimate Membership Flywheel – Scaling 145 Million Members
Costco (COST) enters March 2026 as one of the most resilient "all-weather" stocks in the retail sector, trading at $1,011.17 following a 2.5% rally on February 27. The company has successfully navigated the high-inflation environment of the past two years, leveraging its bulk-buying power to maintain its "industry-leading pricing" advantage.
COST: Value Focus And Membership Model Will Balance Food Disinflation And Competition
Analysts have nudged their Costco Wholesale fair value estimate higher to about $1,048 from roughly $1,030, pointing to slightly stronger assumptions for revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E multiples, partially tempered by a modestly higher discount rate and fresh price target raises across the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Costco Wholesale has centered on fresh price target moves and updated views on how the membership model could hold up through changing consumer trends and spending patterns.COST: Membership Model And Value Focus Will Support Defensive Upside Through 2026
Analysts maintained their fair value estimate for Costco Wholesale at $1,205, while adjusting their assumptions to reflect slightly higher revenue growth, modestly improved profit margins, and a slightly lower future P/E. These changes reflect renewed coverage and mixed but improving expectations for food retailers as discussed in recent Street research.COST: Value Focus And SNAP Insulation Will Support Steady Future Membership Gains
Analysts have trimmed their Costco Wholesale fair value estimate to about $1,030 from roughly $1,056. They cite slightly more conservative assumptions on revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E multiples, while also noting relative insulation from SNAP headwinds and potential consumer tailwinds discussed in recent retail sector research.Is There Now An Opportunity In Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)?
Jan 05
COST: SNAP Headwinds And Tariff Relief Will Shape Fairly Balanced Outlook
Narrative Update Analysts have adjusted their Costco Wholesale fair value estimate from about $834.56 to $799.51. A higher discount rate and slightly lower assumed profit margin offset stronger modeled revenue growth.COST: Membership Model And Traffic Strength Will Support Defensive Upside
Analysts have modestly reduced their fair value estimate for Costco Wholesale to $1,205 from $1,225, reflecting slightly lower growth and margin assumptions and a gradual normalization of the stock's previously elevated valuation multiple following recent Street target trims. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts acknowledge that near term macro headwinds, including reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, are pressuring sector level sales, particularly in staples and grocery categories.COST: Solid Membership Retention And Defensive Edge Will Support Future Share Gains
Analysts have modestly lowered their average price target for Costco Wholesale, now expecting shares to reach around $1,020. Recent updates reflect both the company's continued strong performance as well as persistent concerns over its premium valuation and mixed quarterly results.COST: Strong Sales And Membership Model Will Drive Market Share Gains
Costco Wholesale’s analyst price targets have been reduced by approximately $30 to $70 per share following its fiscal Q4 report. Analysts cite a mixed performance, ongoing industry headwinds, and the company’s premium valuation as key factors in their updated outlooks.COST: Market Share Gains Will Continue Driven By High Member Renewal Rates
Costco Wholesale's analyst price target has been reduced modestly, with the average fair value estimate moving down by about $1.65 to $1,059.55. Analysts cite a combination of slightly slower margin growth and a continued premium valuation backdrop as reasons for the adjustment.Warehouse, E-Commerce, And International Expansion Will Support Future Success
Costco’s analyst price target has been revised downward to $1,061 from $1,072. Analysts cite mixed quarterly results, persistent strength in sales and margin improvements, but continued caution given the stock’s elevated valuation multiples.Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) Yearly Results: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For This Year
Sep 29Warehouse, E-Commerce, And International Expansion Will Support Future Success
Despite continued strong comparable sales growth and solid execution, analysts cite concerns about Costco’s elevated valuation and limited upside at current prices, resulting in an unchanged consensus price target of $1073. Analyst Commentary Solid U.S. comparable sales growth at 5.5% in June, maintaining strength in Food, Sundries, and Fresh Foods, with mid-single-digit gains in nonfood categories.Does Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
Jul 25
We Like Costco Wholesale's (NASDAQ:COST) Returns And Here's How They're Trending
Jul 14Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) Shares Could Be 32% Above Their Intrinsic Value Estimate
May 30Costco Wholesale Corporation's (NASDAQ:COST) Popularity With Investors Is Under Threat From Overpricing
May 06Costco: Incredible Value For Members, A Premium For Investors
Apr 28Costco: Profitable Like Heck, Valuation Like Shrek (Ugly)
Mar 24Costco's Selloff Is Finally Here - Is It A Buy Now?
Mar 18Costco: Overvalued After Strong Bull Run (Rating Downgrade)
Mar 10Costco's Q2 Preview: Investors Debate On Stock-Split, Special Dividend, And Fee Hike
Mar 04Costco: Risks With The Momentum Trade Into Q2 Earnings
Feb 23Costco's Price Looks Similar To Walmart In 1999
Jan 22Costco: If It Ain't Broke, Why Fix It? Consistency Is Key
Jan 09As Costco's Q1 Earnings Approach, Let's Understand The Mindset Of Its Shareholders
Dec 09Costco Is A Great Place To Shop, But Not To Invest
Nov 11Costco: Still Cheap With Room For Warehouse Growth
Oct 29Costco Is Running Out Of Gold, Here's What That Means For The Wholesaler
Oct 18Costco's Buying Opportunity Has Long Left The Station
Oct 12
Narrative update from Goran Damchevski
Membership Fee Increase and E-comm Will Improve Costco’s ProfitabilityBeginning September 1, 2024 Costco increased its membership fees by 8.3% from $120 to $130 for the Executive package and from $60Costco Is A Phenomenal Company, But It's An Overpriced Investment
Oct 01Costco: Value For Customers But Not For Investors
Sep 23CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 15 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$9b |
| Nov 23 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$8b |
| Aug 31 2025 | US$14m | US$1m | US$8b |
| May 11 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$8b |
| Feb 16 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$8b |
| Nov 24 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$8b |
| Sep 01 2024 | US$12m | US$1m | US$7b |
| May 12 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$7b |
| Feb 18 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$7b |
| Nov 26 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$7b |
| Sep 03 2023 | US$8m | US$938k | US$6b |
| May 07 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Feb 12 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Nov 20 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Aug 28 2022 | US$7m | US$993k | US$6b |
| May 08 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Feb 13 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Nov 21 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$5b |
| Aug 29 2021 | US$5m | US$805k | US$5b |
| May 09 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$5b |
| Feb 14 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$4b |
| Nov 22 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$4b |
| Aug 30 2020 | US$4m | US$667k | US$4b |
| May 10 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$4b |
| Feb 16 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$4b |
| Nov 24 2019 | n/a | n/a | US$4b |
| Sep 01 2019 | US$4m | US$583k | US$4b |
Compensation vs Market: Ron's total compensation ($USD13.93M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.57M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Ron's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Ron Vachris (60 yo)
4.2yrs
Tenure
US$13,932,597
Compensation
Mr. Ron M. Vachris serves as President and Director at Costco Wholesale Corporation since February 2, 2022 and served as its Chief Operating Officer since February 2, 2022 to December 2023 and serves as it...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 4.2yrs | US$13.93m | 0.012% $ 52.2m | |
| Executive VP & CFO | 2.1yrs | US$6.77m | 0.0011% $ 4.8m | |
| Executive VP and CI&DO of Information Systems | 1.8yrs | US$7.51m | 0.00013% $ 576.0k | |
| Executive VP & COO of International Division | 25.3yrs | US$5.29m | 0.0025% $ 11.3m | |
| Senior VP | less than a year | no data | 0% $ 0 | |
| Executive Vice President of Administration | no data | no data | 0.0014% $ 6.1m | |
| Executive VP | 16.3yrs | no data | 0.0078% $ 34.8m | |
| Senior Vice President of Global Sustainability & Compliance | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP of Membership | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Human Resources | 3.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Construction & Purchasing | 14.8yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Costco Wholesale Industries & Business Development | no data | no data | no data |
2.7yrs
Average Tenure
60yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: COST's management team is considered experienced (2.7 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 4.2yrs | US$13.93m | 0.012% $ 52.2m | |
| Independent Director | 17.3yrs | US$304.66k | 0.0024% $ 10.6m | |
| Independent Vice Chairman of the Board | 9.1yrs | US$304.66k | 0.0011% $ 5.1m | |
| Independent Director | 21.5yrs | US$304.66k | 0.0018% $ 7.8m | |
| Independent Director | 10.5yrs | US$304.66k | 0.0028% $ 12.3m | |
| Independent Director | 10.5yrs | US$304.66k | 0.0054% $ 23.8m | |
| Independent Chairman of the Board | 37.7yrs | US$304.66k | 0.013% $ 56.0m | |
| Independent Director | 6.3yrs | US$304.66k | 0.00066% $ 2.9m | |
| Director | no data | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 2.7yrs | US$304.66k | 0.00011% $ 487.4k |
10.5yrs
Average Tenure
66.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: COST's board of directors are seasoned and experienced ( 10.5 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/04/30 09:12 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/04/30 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/02/15 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/08/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Costco Wholesale Corporation is covered by 62 analysts. 31 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Christopher Graja | Argus Research Company |
| Peter Benedict | Baird |
| Meredith Adler | Barclays |